Tina Krieger
How did you come to your current position?
I'm a trained biochemist and was part of the GRK1146 graduate program in Magdeburg for 4 years. I moved to Hamburg and was looking for a job. In 2011 the AMNOG (Arzneimittelmarktneuordnungsgesetz) was introduced resulting in a demand for scientists and health economicsts which were needed to support pharmaceutical companies with the preparation of reimbursement dossiers that needed to be submitted to the G-BA (Gemeinsamer Bundesausschuss) for each new drug that came on the market now. So I became a health economist. I first worked in a consulting company in Hambur for 3 years before I joined a US-based company with an office in the UK where I stayed for a bit over 6 years before joining HEOR beginning of 2021. My main focus now is on HTA (Health Technology Assessment) submissions to authorities in the UK and Ireland.
What was your biggest professional challenge and how did you solve it?
When I joined my previous compnay I started to work remotely from home which was and still is a big challenge. Not being able to physically work in the same place as your co-workes is already challenging but also managing your work-life balance is hard too as the office is in your home and it is hard to draw a line. So that challenge is ongoing.
Although I started my current job in January 2021 I haven't met my colleagues yet and won't before spring 2022 (hopefully) due to Covid. But the plan is to be in the office once a quarter. To prevent feeling isolated cou need to establish relationships; project-unrelated video calls help to get to know each other. Once you know your co-workers better it is easier to work together with them as you've established some trust already.
Who supports you in your career and how?
I have a ver good relationship with one of my ex-bosses I worked together for more than 3 years. We immediately connected during the interview which is important for a good work-relationship. She helped me a lot to develop my skill sets - professionally and mentally. She always had my back and encouraged me to work on new challenging projects. We kept in touch over the years and I still consider her to be my mentor.
My current boss hired me although I lacked skills in a specific field. She wants me to develop those skills by taking courses and training on the job so that I can get to the next step in my career.
My family and friends encouraged me to pursue that career path as I had doubts in the beginning.
Who or what inspires you most?
My ex-boss inspires me the most. She was the kind of boss that I want to be. Everybody liked to work together with her as she was very knowledgable and diplomatic when needed. She was never tired of learning new things and develop her skills set.
Which memories do you associate with Magdeburg?
I was part of the GRK 1167 graduate program and made some life-long friends. But the most important memory of course is the birth of my daughter.
Which importance does career networks have for your professional career?
Which advice would you give to young women, who are at the beginning of their professional career?
Believe in yourself! As a scientist you already have a good skill set. What you don't know yet you will learn - the 70/20/10 rule is true. 70% is learning on the job, 20% you'll learn based on feedback from your co-workers and 10% is the knowledge you already have.
When you are in a position to choose your job, choose the one where you think you can connect with the people best. No one needs to work in a toxic environment. There are always other options. Trust me.